Microporous Composite Sheet Material

ABSTRACT

A moisture vapor permeable, water impermeable composite sheet material is provided which is suitable for use as a housewrap material, and is also useful for other applications such as tarpaulins, or as covers for automobile, boats, patio furniture or the like. The composite sheet material includes a nonwoven substrate and an extrusion-coated polyolefin film layer overlying one surface of the substrate. The nonwoven substrate is comprised of polymeric fibers randomly disposed and bonded to one another to form a high tenacity nonwoven web. The nonwoven substrate has a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons (40 pounds) in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD). The extrusion coated polyolefin film layer is intimately bonded to the nonwoven substrate. The film layer has micropores formed therein to impart to the composite sheet material a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m 2 /24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C. and a hydrostatic head of at least 55 cm. In one embodiment, the nonwoven substrate comprises a spunbonded nonwoven fabric formed of randomly disposed substantially continuous polypropylene filaments. The spunbonded nonwoven fabric is an area bonded fabric in which the filaments are bonded to one another throughout the fabric at locations where the randomly disposed filaments overlie or cross one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/386,004filed Mar. 11, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/364,508 filed Mar. 15, 2002, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, and claims the benefit of its earlier filingdate under 35 U.S.C. 119(e).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a microporous composite sheet material. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a composite sheet material whichis permeable to moisture vapor but which forms a barrier to the passageof water. The composite sheet material has strength and barrierproperties which make it suitable for use as a housewrap.

Various types of sheet materials have been used in the construction ofbuildings as a barrier fabric to block water and air while allowingtransmission of moisture vapor from the building interior. Theseso-called housewrap products are typically applied over the sheathinglayer of the building and beneath the exterior surface layer of brick orsiding. During the time that the building is under construction, thehousewrap material is exposed to the elements for a considerable periodof time. Therefore, the fabric must have good weatherability, relativelyhigh tear strength and puncture resistance. The fabric must alsomaintain the strength and barrier properties while it is exposed to theelements, and subsequently during the lifetime of the building.

Various types of fabrics have been produced and sold commercially foruse as a barrier fabric in building construction. One such commerciallyavailable product is manufactured and sold by DuPont under the trademarkTyvek® Homewrap®. This product is formed from flash spun high-densitypolyethylene fibers which are bonded together to form a nonwoven sheetmaterial.

Other commercially available housewrap products have been developedwhich utilize preformed microporous films laminated to a reinforcingsubstrate, as described for example in Sheth U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,303 orMartz U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,656,167 and 6,071,834.

Still other commercially available housewrap products have used a wovenor nonwoven substrate with a perforated film coating. For example, inDunaway et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,761, a barrier fabric is disclosed inwhich a polymer film is laminated to a nonwoven fabric, and theresulting composite sheet material is then needle-punched to providemicropores through the film. The nonwoven fabric is a spunbonded webformed of polyolefin filaments, and the polymer film can be applied tothe nonwoven web by hot cast extrusion.

The currently available housewrap materials have various deficiencies.Many of the commercially available housewrap materials can be easilytorn when installed during construction or punctured by ladders orscaffolding leaning against the building. These materials are alsosusceptible to being torn by the wind during construction while thehousewrap material remains exposed. Housewrap materials formed fromlaminates of a microporous film with a supporting substrate require atwo-step process which increases the expense, and the resultant productssuffer from low puncture strength and generally low overall tear andtensile strength.

The need exists for an economical barrier material with superiorstrength and tear resistance, as well as excellent water and air barrierproperties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a moisture vapor permeable, waterimpermeable composite sheet material having superior strength andbarrier properties. The composite sheet material is suitable for use asa housewrap material, and is also useful for other applications such astarpaulins, or as covers for automobile, boats, patio furniture or thelike. The composite sheet material includes a nonwoven substrate and anextrusion-coated polyolefin film layer overlying one surface of thesubstrate. The nonwoven substrate is comprised of polymeric fibersrandomly disposed and bonded to one another to form a high tenacitynonwoven web. The nonwoven substrate has a grab tensile strength of atleast 178 N (40 pounds) in at least one of the machine direction (MD) orthe cross-machine direction (CD). The extrusion coated polyolefin filmlayer is intimately bonded to the nonwoven substrate. The film layer hasmicropores formed therein to impart to the composite sheet material amoisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m²/24 hr. at50% relative humidity (RH) and 23° C. (73° F.) and a hydrostatic head ofat least 55 cm.

In one embodiment, the nonwoven substrate comprises a spunbondednonwoven fabric formed of randomly disposed substantially continuouspolypropylene filaments. The spunbonded nonwoven fabric is an areabonded fabric in which the filaments are bonded to one anotherthroughout the fabric at locations where the randomly disposed filamentsoverlie or cross one another.

The film layer is intimately bonded to the substrate to preferablyprovide a peel adhesion of at least 59 g/cm (150 grams per inch). Thefilm layer suitably comprises a polyolefin polymer and at least 40% byweight of an inorganic filler such as calcium carbonate. The film layerpreferably has a basis weight of at least 25 grams per square meter. Thecomposite sheet material has been stretched in at least one of themachine direction or the cross machine direction. This stretchingoperation renders the composite sheet material microporous. Thecomposite sheet material has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR)of at least 35 g/m²/24 hours at 50% relative humidity and 23° C. (73°F.). The composite sheet material also has a hydrostatic head of atleast 55 cm, preferably at least 100 cm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the features and advantages of the invention having beendescribed, others will become apparent from the detailed descriptionwhich follows, and from the accompanying drawings, in which—

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of the composite sheetmaterial of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing equipment suitable for producingthe composite sheet material of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view, at 1× magnification, showing the film-coated side ofthe composite sheet material; and

FIG. 4 is a view at the same magnification showing the nonwoven side ofthe composite sheet material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

In FIG. 1, the composite sheet material of the present invention isindicated generally by the reference character 10. The composite sheetmaterial includes a nonwoven fibrous substrate 11 and a polyolefin filmlayer 12 extending uninterruptedly and continuously over one surface ofthe nonwoven fibrous substrate 11. The film layer 12 has a strongadherence to the nonwoven fibrous substrate 11, such that the film layerand the substrate are not subject to delamination but instead arestructurally combined with one another to form a composite material. Thepeel adhesion of the film layer 12 to the nonwoven fibrous substrate 11is at least 59 g/cm (150 grams/inch), and preferably at least 78 g/cm(200 grams/inch). Most desirably, the adhesion is so great that thefibers of the substrate will tear or break before delamination willoccur. This condition, known as “fiber tear,” occurs above about 98 g/cm(250 grams/inch). Adhesion of the film to the substrate is measured inaccordance with the test procedure described below under the sectionentitled “Test Methods.”

The nonwoven fibrous substrate 11 is a high tenacity nonwoven fabricformed from polymeric fibers which are randomly disposed and bonded toone another to form a strong nonwoven web. It is important for thesubstrate to have high tenacity and relatively low elongation in orderto provide the strength and other physical properties required for abarrier material such as a housewrap. Preferably, the nonwoven substrate11 has a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons (40 pounds) in atleast one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction(CD). More preferably, the nonwoven substrate has a grab tensilestrength of at least 267 N (60 pounds) in at least one of the MD and theCD. The required high tenacity and low elongation are achieved byselection of a manufacturing process in which the polymer fibers of thenonwoven fabric are drawn to achieve a high degree of molecularorientation, which increases fiber tenacity and lowers fiber elongation.Preferably, the manufacturing process involves mechanically drawing thefibers by means of draw rolls, as distinguished from other well-knownmanufacturing processes for nonwovens which utilize pneumatic jets orslot-draw attenuators for attenuating the freshly extruded fibers.Pneumatic attenuation of the fibers via jets or attenuators can notachieve the high spinline stress required for orienting the polymermolecules to a high degree to develop the full tensile strengthcapability of the fibers. Mechanically drawing the fibers, on the otherhand, allows for higher stresses in the fiber to orient the polymermolecules in the fibers and thereby strengthen the fibers. The drawingis carried out below the melting temperature of the polymer, after thepolymer has cooled and solidified. This type of drawing process isconventionally referred to as “cold-drawing” and the thus-producedfibers may be referred to as “cold-drawn” fibers. Because the fibers aredrawn at a temperature well below the temperature at which the polymersolidifies, the mobility of the oriented polymer molecules is reduced sothat the oriented polymer molecules of the fiber cannot relax, butinstead retain a high degree of molecular orientation. The degree ofmolecular orientation of the fiber can be determined by measuring thebirefringence of the fiber. Cold-drawn fibers of the type used in thepresent invention are characterized by having a higher birefringencethan fibers attenuated by pneumatic jets or slot-draw attenuators.Consequently, the individual fiber tenacity of a cold-drawn fiber issignificantly greater than that of a fiber which is attenuated orstretched by pneumatic jets or attenuators of the type used in somespunbond nonwoven manufacturing processes.

Cold-drawing of a fiber-forming polymer is characterized by a phenomenonknown as “necking down”. When the undrawn fiber is stretched, areduction in diameter occurs in the fiber at a discrete location, i.e.“neck” instead of a gradual reduction in diameter. The morphology of afiber drawn by cold-drawing is different from the morphology of a fiberwhich has been attenuated or stretched while still in the molten statewhere the polymer molecules are mobile. The differences are evident fromthe x-ray diffraction patterns, from birefringence measurements, andfrom other analytical measurements.

Also contributing to the required high strength and low elongation ofthe substrate is the method or mechanism by which the fibers are bonded.Preferably, the nonwoven substrate is “area bonded” as distinguishedfrom a “point bonded” or “patterned bonded” sheet material. In a pointbonded or pattern bonded fabric, discrete bond points or zones areseparated from one another by unbonded areas or zones. This type ofbonding is often utilized for applications in which it is desired topreserve the softness of the fabric, such as nonwoven fabrics fordiapers or hygiene products for example. In an “area bonded” fabric, thefiber bonds are not separated by unbonded areas, but instead are foundthroughout the area of the fabric. Because of the larger number offiber-to-fiber bonds, area bonded fabrics are typically stronger than apoint bonded fabric and are also less soft and less flexible. The fibersare adhered or bonded to one another throughout the fabric at numerouslocations where the randomly deposited fibers overlie or cross oneanother.

A preferred class of nonwoven substrate for use in the present inventionis a spunbond nonwoven. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics are formed byextruding molten thermoplastic material as continuous filaments from aplurality of fine, usually circular capillaries of a spinneret. Thefilaments are drawn and then randomly deposited onto a collectingsurface. The filaments are bonded to form a coherent web. One specificexample of a commercially available nonwoven fabric possessing therequired high levels of strength is a product sold under the trademarkTypar® or Tekton® by Fiberweb Plc. This product is a spunbonded nonwovenfabric is made from fibers in the form of substantially continuousfilaments of polypropylene. The filaments are mechanically cold-drawnand have a denier per filament of from 4 to 20. They preferably exhibita fiber birefringence of at least 0.022. The fabric is area bonded, withthe filaments being bonded to one another at their crossover points toform a nonwoven sheet material having excellent strengthcharacteristics. The spunbonded nonwoven substrate preferably has a grabtensile strength in the machine direction (MD) of at least 267 N (60lbs.) and in the cross machine direction (CD) of at least 178 N (40lbs.). The fabric is manufactured generally in accordance with KinneyU.S. Pat. No. 3,338,992, using mechanical draw rolls as indicated inFIG. 16. An example of another suitable spunbonded nonwoven fabric is aproduct sold by Fiberweb Plc under the trademark Reemay®. Thisspunbonded nonwoven fabric is formed of filaments of polyester.

The thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments of the substrate 11preferably contain pigments as well as chemical stabilizers or additivesfor retarding oxidation and ultraviolet degradation, and for impartingother desired properties such as antimicrobial, antimold, or antifungal.Typically, the stabilizers and additives are incorporated in the polymerat conventional levels, e.g., on the order of about 0.5 to 2% by weight.Typical stabilizers may include primary antioxidants (including hinderedamine-light stabilizers and phenolic stabilizers), secondaryantioxidants (such as phosphates), and ultraviolet absorbers (such asbenzophenones). The polymer composition also preferably contains apigment to render the nonwoven fabric opaque. In one preferredembodiment, the fibers are pigmented black using a black pigment, suchas carbon black. If a white color is desired, titanium dioxide pigmentcan be used at comparable levels, or blends of titanium dioxide, withcarbon black or with other colored pigments could be employed. Thefibers or filaments are preferably circular in cross-section, althoughother cross-sectional configurations such as trilobal or multilobalcross-sections can be employed if desired.

The nonwoven fibrous substrate 11 should have a basis weight of at least50 g/m², preferably from 60 to 140 g/m², and for certain preferredembodiments, a basis weight of from 80 to 110 g/m².

The composition from which the film layer 12 is formed is prepared byblending or compounding one or more thermoplastic polymers with suitableinorganic pore-forming fillers and with suitable additives, stabilizersand antioxidants. The polymer composition includes at least onepolyolefin polymer component, such as polypropylene, propylenecopolymers, homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene, or blends of thesepolyolefins. The polymer composition may, for example, comprise 100%polypropylene homopolymer, or blends of polypropylene and polyethylene.Suitable polyethylenes include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).The polymer composition may also include minor proportions of othernonolefin polymers. The polymer composition is blended with an inorganicpore-forming filler. Preferably, the pore-forming filler has a particlesize of no more than about 5 microns. Examples of inorganic fillersinclude calcium carbonate, clay, silica, kaolin, titanium dioxide,diatomaceous earth, or combinations of these materials. Calciumcarbonate is particularly preferred as a pore-forming filler, and it ispreferred that the calcium carbonate be treated with calcium stearate torender it hydrophobic and to prevent agglomeration or clumping.

To achieve the high level of MVTR required for the present invention, itis preferred that the polymer and pore-forming filler blend comprise atleast 40% by weight filler, and most desirably at least 50% by weightfiller. The polymer composition may also include additional colorants orpigments, such as titanium dioxide, as well as conventional stabilizersand antioxidants, such as UV stabilizers, hindered amine lightstabilizer compounds, ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants andantimicrobials.

The film-forming polymer composition is heated and mixed in an extruder,and is extruded from a slot die to form a molten polymer film. Themolten polymer film is brought directly into contact with the nonwovensubstrate 11 and the molten film composition is forced into intimateengagement with the fibrous web by directing the materials through a nipdefined by a pair of cooperating rotating rolls.

Suitable equipment for carrying out this process is shown schematicallyin FIG. 2. The nonwoven substrate 11 is unwound from a supply roll 20and is directed onto and around a rotating chill roll 22. A cooperatingpressure roll 24 defines a pressure nip with the chill roll 22. Thepolymer composition is extruded in the form of a film 12 of moltenpolymer from a slot die 26 of an extruder 27 directly into the nipdefined between the cooperating rolls 22, 24. As the polymer film andthe nonwoven substrate advance around the chill roll 22, the moltenpolymer composition cools and solidifies to form a substantiallycontinuous polymer film layer adhered to one surface of the nonwovensubstrate 11. At this point, the nonwoven web and film composite issubstantially impermeable to moisture vapor. The composite is mademicroporous by stretching the material in the machine direction, or thecross-machine direction or in both the machine direction and thecross-machine direction. The fabric can be rolled-up and the stretchingcan be carried out in a separate subsequent operation, or alternatively,the stretching can be carried out in-line with the extrusion coatingoperation, as shown in FIG. 2.

Various stretching techniques can be employed to develop the microporesin the composite sheet material 10. A particularly preferred stretchingmethod is a process known as “incremental stretching”. In an incrementalstretching operation, the sheet material is passed through one or morecooperating pairs of intermeshing grooved or corrugated rolls whichcause the sheet material to be stretched along incremental zones orlines extending across the sheet material. The stretched zones areseparated by zones of substantially unstretched or less stretchedmaterial. The incremental stretching can be carried out in the crossmachine direction (CD) or the machine direction (MD) or both, dependingupon the design and arrangement of the grooved rolls. Example ofapparatus and methods for carrying out incremental stretching aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,116,892; 4,153,751; 4,153,664; and4,285,100, incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 illustrates equipment suitable for a continuous in-linestretching operation using first and second pairs of intermeshing rolls.The first pair of intermeshing rolls 31, 32 is provided with a groovedsurface configured for achieving incremental stretching in thecross-direction (CD) of the material. The grooves extendcircumferentially around the rolls and produce a series of alternatingstretched and non-stretched zones extending linearly along the machinedirection of the composite material. The amount of incrementalstretching is controlled by varying the engagement depth of theintermeshing rolls. The stretching operation is carried generally inaccordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,926, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

Preferably, the fabric is subjected to stretching in the machinedirection as well as in the cross-direction. For this purpose, thefabric is run through a second set of rolls 33, 34 designed forachieving MD stretching. The second pair of intermeshing rolls 33, 34have a grooved surface configured for achieving stretching in themachine direction (MD) of the material, with the grooves extendinggenerally parallel to the rotational axis of the rolls. The additionalstretching operation in the machine direction increases the moisturevapor transmission properties of the material and provides anaesthetically pleasing surface appearance.

The film layer is preferably applied to the fabric at a minimum basisweight of 25 g/m², and most desirably, from 30 to 50 g/m².

The resulting composite material has an overall basis weight of from 60to 140 g/m² and a MVTR of at least 35 g/m²/24 hr. at 50% relativehumidity and 23° C. (73° F.), and more desirably a MVTR of at least 100.The product preferably also has a Gurley porosity of at least 400seconds and a hydrostatic head of at least 55 cm.

The product also preferably has an Air Leakage Rate less than 0.02L/(s·.m²), and more desirably less than 0.015 L/(s·m²) measured by ASTM283.

FIG. 3 illustrates the film-coated surface of the composite nonwovenmaterial of the present invention which has been incrementally stretchedin both the machine direction (MD) and in the cross direction (CD) usinggrooved incremental stretching rolls. A faint pattern of discontinuousdarker areas extending in both dimensions (horizontally and vertically)can be seen in this Figure. This pattern, somewhat resembling ahoundstooth-check pattern, is produced by the CD and MD incrementalstretching operation. The random pattern of the filaments of theunderlying nonwoven layer can also be seen in the fabric.

FIG. 4 illustrates the opposite side of the fabric shown in FIG. 3.Here, the random pattern of the black-pigmented filaments of thespunbond nonwoven can be seen. The lighter areas are the underlying filmlayer.

Test Methods

In the description above and in the non-limiting examples that follow,the following test methods were employed to determine various reportedcharacteristics and properties. ASTM refers to the American Society forTesting and Materials, AATCC refers to the American Association ofTextile Chemists and Colorists, INDA refers to the Association of theNonwovens Fabrics Industry, and TAPPI refers to the TechnicalAssociation of Pulp and Paper Industry.

Air Leakage Rate is measured by ASTM E283, entitled “Standard TestMethod for Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls,and Doors.” This is a standard for laboratory measurement of air leakagethrough buildings.

Basis Weight is a measure of the mass per unit area of a sheet and wasdetermined by ASTM D-3776, which is hereby incorporated by reference,and is reported in g/m².

Fabric thickness is measured in accordance with ASTM D 1777—StandardTest Method for Thickness of Textile Materials (1996).

Fiber birefringence was determined by measuring the refractive index ofthe fiber using a polarizing microscope with a 587.3 nm interferencefilter for illumination of the samples, thus representing D-linerefractive indices (nD). The refractive index was measured in directionsparallel and prependicular to the fiber, and birefringence wasdetermined by the difference betweeen these refractive indices.

Fiber Tenacity was determined according to ASTM D3822.

Grab Tensile Strength The grab tensile test is a measure of breakingstrength of a fabric when subjected to unidirectional stress. This testis known carried out in accordance with ASTM D 4632—Standard Test Methodfor Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles, 1991 (reapproved1996).

Gurley Porosity is a measure of the resistance of the sheet material toair permeability, and thus provides an indication of its effectivenessas an air barrier. It is measured in accordance with TAPPI T-460 (Gurleymethod). This test measures the time required for 100 cubic centimetersof air to be pushed through a one-inch diameter sample under a pressureof approximately 4.9 inches of water. The result is expressed in secondsand is frequently referred to as Gurley Seconds.

Hydrostatic Head (hydrohead) is a measure of the resistance of a sheetto penetration by liquid water under a static pressure. The test isconducted according to AATCC-127, which is hereby incorporated byreference, and is reported in centimeters.

Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) is determined by ASTM E 96,Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials; 1995,Procedure A.

Mullen burst strength is determined by ASTM D3786, Standard Test Methodfor Hydraulic Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics—Diaphragm BurstingStrength Tester Method.

Peel adhesion. The adhesion of the film layer to the nonwoven substratelayer is measured by delaminating a portion of the film from thenonwoven substrate and measuring the force required to peel the filmfrom the nonwoven. The peel adhesion is expressed in terms of grams ofpeel force per inch of width.

Tear Strength is measured in accordance with ASTM D 4533 (trapezoidaltear).

Tensile Elongation is measured in accordance with ASTM Method D882 forthe high tenacity nonwoven substrates used in the present invention. Forlighter basis weight nonwovens used in the hygiene industry, ASTM MethodD 5035 is the accepted standard.

EXAMPLE 1

Typar® 3201, a spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven fabric produced byReemay, Inc. of Old Hickory, Tenn., was used as the fibrous nonwovensubstrate for producing a high MVTR extrusion coated composite sheetmaterial. Typar® 3201 is a spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabric havinga basis weight of 64 g/m², a thickness of 0.305 mm (12 mils), an MD grabtensile strength of 351 N (79 lbs.), a CD grab tensile strength of 329 N(74 lbs.), a trapezoidal tear strength of 165 N (37 lbs.) in the MD and151 N (34 lbs.) in the CD, and a mullen burst strength of 393 Pascal (57psi.). This substrate was extrusion-coated with a polypropylene polymercomposition containing about 50 percent by weight calcium carbonatefiller. The polymer film was extruded onto the substrate at twodifferent basis weights: 25 g/m2 and 35 g/m². The resulting compositewas incrementally stretched in the CD using equipment similar to thatshown in FIG. 2. Samples of the fabric were taken at three locationsacross the width of the fabric, near the left, center, and near theright, and the physical properties of these samples were evaluated.Average values for the three samples are shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Test Sample 1 Sample 2 Film Basis Weight (g/m²) 25 35 Peeladhesion (g/l inch) 215 Fiber tear Hydrohead (cm) >100 >100 GurleyPorosity >400 >400 Thickness, mm (mils) 0.055 (21.7) 0.455 (17.9) GrabTensile, MD N (lbs). 329 (74) 369 (83) Grab Tensile, CD N (lbs.) 298(67) 302 (68) Trap. Tear, MD N (lbs.) 146 (32.8) 170 (38.3) Trap. Tear,CD N (lbs.) 121 (27.2) 126 (28.3)

EXAMPLE 2

Typar 3201, a spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabric having a basisweight of 64 g/m² (1.9 oz/yd²), was extrusion coated as in Example 1,using a polypropylene with about 50 percent by weight calcium carbonatefiller applied at a basis weight of 35 g/m². The fabric wasincrementally stretched in the CD by passing through incrementalstretching rollers set at 1.4 mm (55 mils) and at 1.5 mm (60 mils)engagement, respectively. Samples of the fabric were taken at threelocations across the width of the fabric, near the left, center, andnear the right, and the physical properties of these samples wereevaluated. Average values for the three samples are shown in Table 2below.

TABLE 2 Test Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5 Stretch Roll setting mm (mils)1.4 (55) 1.4 (55) 1.5 (60) Peel adhesion (g/l inch) Fiber tear Fibertear Fiber tear Hydrohead (cm) >55 >55 >55 GurleyPorosity >400 >400 >400 Thickness mm (mils) 0.41 (16) 0.43 (17) 0.51(20) Grab Tensile, MD N (lbs.) 427 (96) 489 (110) Grab Tensile, CD N(lbs.) 325 (73) 333 (74.8) Trap. Tear, MD N (lbs.) 191 (42.9) 144 (32.3)Trap. Tear, CD N (lbs.) 114 (25.6) 82.7 (18.6)

EXAMPLE 3

In this example, the tensile properties of several of the high tenacityspunbond nonwoven substrates used in the present invention (Typar®) arecontrasted with commercially available spunbond nonwoven fabrics. InTable 3, Typar spunbond nonwoven fabric in three different basis weightsis compared to a spunbond polypropylene fabric produced by a Reicofilspunbond process. The Typar nonwoven fabric is a spunbond nonwovenfabric formed from mechanically cold-drawn polypropylene filaments. Inthe nonwoven fabric produced by the Reicofil process, the polypropylenefilaments are attenuated pneumatically by a slot draw attenuator locatedin the spinline directly beneath where the molten polymer filaments areextruded.

TABLE 3 Product Typar Typar Typar Reicofil Basis Weight g/m² (oz/yd²) 57 (1.7)  64 (1.9)  78 (2.3)  57 (1.7) MD Grab Tensile N (lbs.) 316(71) 365 (82) 472 (106) 160 (36) CD Grab Tensile N (lbs.) 294 (66) 334(75) 436 (98) 129 (29) MD Trap Tear N (lbs.) 151 (34) 165 (37) 178 (40)CD Trap Tear N (lbs.) 138 (31) 151 (34) 147 (33)

EXAMPLE 4

In Table 4 below, the tensile elongation of a 78 g/m² (2.3 oz/yd²) Typarnonwoven fabric substrate is compared with that of two lighter basisweight polypropylene spunbond nonwovens produced for hygieneapplications using a slot-draw pneumatic attenuation process.

TABLE 4 Product Typar Hygiene Hygiene Basis Weight (g/m²) 78 30.5 27.1MD Strip Tensile Elongation (%) 71 120 100 CD Strip Tensile Elongation(%) 59 190 175

EXAMPLE 5

In Table 5, the birefringence and individual fiber tenacity are comparedfor a high tenacity Typar substrate and a conventional spunbond nonwovenfor hygiene applications.

TABLE 5 Substrate Fiber Properties Fiber Tenacity Sample DescriptionApplication Birefringence grams/denier Typar Fibers-10 dpf Industrial0.026 3 Typar Fibers-20 dpf Industrial 0.025 3.8 Spunbond Fibers-2.7 dpfHygiene 0.021 2

The following tables illustrate the properties of composite nonwovenfabrics in accordance with the present invention.

TABLE 6 Composite Physical Properties Composite Tensile StrengthComposite Grab Tensiles MD Grab CD Grab Tensile Tensile Sample StrengthStrength Description N (lbs) N (lbs) Notes Coated 64 g/m² 329 (74) 267(60) ASTM Method Typar D5034 Coated 78 g/m² 480 (108) 480 (108) ASTMMethod Typar D1682 and D1117 Section 7

TABLE 7 Substrate Tensile Elongation Strip Tensiles-ASTM Method D882Sample MD Strip Tensile CD Strip Tensile Description Elongation %Elongation % Coated 64 g/m² Typar 37 33 Coated 78 g/m² Typar 55 56

TABLE 8 Composite Trapezoidal Tear Strength Trap Tear Tensiles MD TrapCD Trap Tear Tear Sample Description Strength N Strength N Notes Coated64 g/m² Typar 129 178 ASTM Method D5733 Coated 78 g/m² Typar 120 173ASTM Method D1117 Section 14

TABLE 9 Composite Air Leakage Rate Air Leakage Rate-ASTM E-283, at 75 PaSample Air Leakage Rate Description ft³/min ft² Notes Coated 64 g/m²Typar 0.0006 Highest value measured at 75 Pa

TABLE 10 CompositeMoisture Vapor Transmission Rate Moisture VaporTransmission Rate-ASTM E968-Procedure A Sample MVTR g/m²/ Description 24hours Coated 64 g/m² Typar  51 Coated 78 g/m² Typar 132¹ Test Duration:5 hours ¹Average of 5 measurements

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

1. A moisture vapor permeable, water impermeable composite sheet material having strength and barrier properties making it suitable for use as a housewrap, comprising an area bonded, spunbond nonwoven substrate comprising polymeric filaments randomly disposed and bonded to one another at locations where the randomly disposed filaments overlie or cross one another; a polyolefin film extrusion coating layer extending continuously over a surface of said nonwoven substrate and intimately bonded thereto, said extrusion coating layer defining an outer surface of the composite sheet material, and said film layer having micropores formed therein by stretching to impart to the composite sheet material a hydrostatic head of at least 100 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m²/24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C., and wherein composite sheet material has a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD), and
 2. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein the composite sheet material has been incrementally stretched in at least one of the MD or CD to form incrementally stretched zones separated by zones of substantially unstretched or less stretched material.
 3. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein said nonwoven fibrous substrate has basis weight of at least 50 g/m² and a grab tensile strength in both the machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CD) of at least 178 Newtons.
 4. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein the nonwoven substrate is formed from substantially continuous cold-drawn, molecularly oriented filaments.
 5. A composite sheet material according to claim 3 wherein said nonwoven fibrous substrate comprises a spunbonded nonwoven fabric formed of randomly disposed substantially continuous cold-drawn, molecularly oriented polypropylene filaments.
 6. A composite sheet material according to claim 3 wherein said film layer has a basis weight of at least 25 g/m².
 7. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, having a Gurley porosity of at least 400 seconds.
 8. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein said composite sheet material has a basis weight of from 60 to 140 g/m².
 9. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein the composite sheet material has a basis weight of from 80 to 110 g/m².
 10. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein said composite sheet material has an air leakage rate of less than 0.015 L/(s·m²).
 11. A composite sheet material according to claim 1, wherein said film layer comprises at least 40% by weight inorganic filler, and sheet material has been subjected to stretching in both the CD and the MD by incremental stretching to impart to the composite fabric a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 100 g/m²/24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C.
 12. A method of preparing a composite sheet material having strength and barrier properties suitable for use as a housewrap, the method comprising: extrusion coating a polyolefin film layer onto a surface of an area bonded, spunbond nonwoven substrate to form a composite sheet material, the composite sheet material having a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD), and stretching the composite sheet material stretching to impart to the composite sheet material a hydrostatic head of at least 100 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m²/24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composite sheet material has been incrementally stretched in at least one of the MD or CD to form incrementally stretched zones separated by zones of substantially unstretched or less stretched material.
 14. The method according to claim 12, comprising passing the composite sheet material through a first pair of intermeshing rolls configured for achieving stretching in the cross-direction (CD) of the composite sheet material.
 15. The method according to claim 12, comprising passing the composite sheet material through a second pair of intermeshing rolls configured for stretching in the machine direction (MD) of the composite sheet material.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the nonwoven substrate has basis weight of at least 50 g/m² and a grab tensile strength in both the machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CD) of at least 178 Newtons.
 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the nonwoven substrate wherein the nonwoven substrate is formed from substantially continuous cold-drawn, molecularly oriented filaments.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the composite sheet material has a Gurley porosity of at least 400 seconds and a basis weight of from 60 to 140 g/m².
 19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the polyolefin film layer extends uninterruptedly and continuously over the surface of said nonwoven substrate and is intimately bonded thereto to provide a peel adhesion of at least 150 grams per inch, said film layer comprising a polyolefin polymer and at least 40% by weight inorganic filler, and said film layer having a basis weight of at least 25 g/m², and wherein said film layer defines an outer surface of the composite sheet material.
 20. The method according to claim 13, comprising the steps of stretching the composite sheet material in both the CD and the MD by incremental stretching to impart to the composite fabric a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 100 g/m²/24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C. 